Taking the temple to the people - mood and mission of HH Tamal Krishna Goswami

Tamal Krishna Goswami was a disciple of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He was known for his dynamic preaching style and his ability to inspire people to practice bhakti-yoga, the devotional path of the Hare Krishna movement. Here are some aspects of his preaching style:

Srila Prabhupada at one point said - no more temples; take temples to the people. Tamal Krishna Goswami therefore led the Radha Damodara party. Fearless and bold he collected funds to restore the Dallas Kalacandji temple. He revived the Gurukul in the temple.

Jayadvaita Swami reflected on Goswami Maharaja’s challenges in taking up the academic study of religion. “He was aware of what kind of battlefield he was on. It was not the place to go head-to-head with people and say, ‘You’re wrong; you’re a demon; you’re a speculator.’ It was a field in which you had to play on those people’s own terms, which was not easy. He knew it and talked about it. He didn’t always have blissful Krishna conscious association during his academic studies.

“But he took strength from the association of his Godbrothers, his Deities, his life-sized murti of Srila Prabhupada, and his own determination and faith. Of course, when he came to Mayapur, he relished the association of the devotees and the shelter of the dhama just like asankirtana devotee. This was natural, because you could say that his work in academia was his sankirtana. And it was a whole lot tougher than distributing books in the parking lots.”

Many people were threatened by his strong strategy. Disciplined by GBC, took by position of authority, had a harsh exterior, GBC asked him to go to China in 1976 to preach. Started a restaurant one block from UT Austin. Three blocks from the Capitol Hill and all administrative people came to have prasadam. Austin restaurant was closed by his successor. George Walsh, a nuclear physicist was coming to the restaurant. Eventually came to Dallas and resumed his position. He started studying in SMU to open the college preaching frontier.

Went to Dr Ronnie Cleaver, and in the meeting to convince to join the department and he succeeded. Dr. Cleaver even gave his office to Tamal Krishna Goswami, an undergraduate student was part of the staff. Mukunda Dutta Goswami assisted him in his preaching from SMU on sanskrit. He was critical of Devavani Praveshika, Dr Goldman's book. He was imperious and had a staff. He was working on a book and a paper and had 6 people working on various parts of the paper.

Personal example: Tamal Krishna Goswami was known for his personal example of following the principles of bhakti-yoga. He was a strict practitioner of sadhana (spiritual discipline) and was deeply committed to serving his spiritual master and the mission of ISKCON.

Clarity and depth of knowledge: Tamal Krishna Goswami had a deep understanding of the Vedic scriptures and was able to explain complex philosophical concepts in a clear and accessible manner. He was known for his ability to engage both scholars and laypeople in discussions on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and other sacred texts.

Empathy and compassion: Tamal Krishna Goswami had a deep empathy for the suffering of others and was committed to serving humanity through his preaching. He was known for his compassion and kindness towards all, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Boldness and courage: Tamal Krishna Goswami was not afraid to speak truthfully and boldly, even in the face of opposition or criticism. He was committed to spreading the message of Krishna consciousness and was willing to take risks to do so.

Giridhari Swami explained, “Goswami Maharaja was my closest Godbrother. He was always very kind to me in ways too numerous to mention. I had the great fortune of trying to assist him in his preaching work beginning from the Radha-Damodara party. Later on we took responsibility for the Dallas and Houston communities, and I went with him to Hong Kong, China, and other places around Asia. I saw a personality with unlimited determination to push forward Srila Prabhupada’s mission. I saw him overcome many, many obstacles. Impossible was certainly not a word in his vocabulary. He had this very great determination. He always had a very clear vision, he was always seeing ahead, and he was able to fulfill that vision. I saw him work harder than perhaps almost any devotee. Many work hard for the preaching movement, but I saw him working around the clock from morning to night, in ways that are just unbelievable. So that determination, that vision, that tremendous amount of hard work, it inspired all the devotees under him. He pushed us as he pushed himself. And, together with all the devotees under his charge, we accomplished tremendous preaching; some very wonderful projects were developed.

“He was always in the front, a pioneer for new programs, projects, new preaching visions. It’s really impossible to calculate the volume of service that he rendered. In so many places around the world you will find least in the beginning days he had some connection with that project, or he had contact with someone who did. He inspired so much.”

Here are some aspects of Tamal Krishna Goswami's preaching in China:

1. Adaptation to local culture: Tamal Krishna Goswami was known for his ability to adapt to the local culture and language wherever he went. In China, he learned Mandarin and made efforts to understand Chinese culture and customs, which helped him connect with the local people and share the teachings of Krishna consciousness in a way that was relevant and accessible to them.
2. Focus on practical spirituality: Tamal Krishna Goswami emphasized the practical application of spiritual teachings in everyday life. He emphasized the importance of developing a daily practice of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, as well as engaging in devotional service and developing a personal relationship with God.
3. Engaging youth and students: Tamal Krishna Goswami recognized the importance of engaging young people in the Krishna consciousness movement and established various programs and initiatives to reach out to students and youth in China. He encouraged them to apply the principles of Krishna consciousness in their studies, relationships, and daily life.
4. Establishing preaching centers: Tamal Krishna Goswami was instrumental in establishing several preaching centers and temples in China, which served as hubs for the local community to come together for spiritual programs and events. These centers also provided opportunities for people to learn about and experience the practices of Krishna consciousness.

Overall, Tamal Krishna Goswami's preaching in China was characterized by his adaptation to local culture, focus on practical spirituality, engagement of youth and students, and establishment of preaching centers. His efforts helped to establish a strong presence for the Krishna consciousness movement in China and inspired many people to embrace a spiritual way of life.

Tamal Krishna maharaja suffered from Prostrate cancer. At Dallas he was recuperating from cancer. There was a medical malpractice and he did not press charges. Ritadvija Swami was living with Tamal Krishna Goswami and residing on a window ledge. Answering his phone other sanyasis realized how much service Tamal Krishna Goswami was giving adjusting the movement to Srila Prabhupada's instructions which only Tamal Krishna Goswami knew.

Until 1977 Tamal Krishna Goswami was practically running the movement. On the roof of Lotus building in 1976, Prabhupada told him - we need one man to know everything. That was Tamal Krishna Goswami.

At SMU he had a 4.0/4.0 GPA and he complanied that he needed a higher GPA.

In Mumbai he was ambitious. Prabhupada had a key which opened an almirah that had a key that opened a third lock which opened a almirah with all the ISKCON property docs. Tamal Krishna Goswami wanted that key. He had to gain trust of Prabhupada. Tamal Krishna Goswami ultimately obtained the key. Srutakirti prabhu was called by prabhupada. Tamal Krishna Goswami had lost the key. Tamal Krishna Goswami was in anxiety about something. Teams of people searching for the key. Krishna's arrangement. Prabhupada said call the entire GBC. The eventually changed the lock. In 1978 after Srila Prabhupada vanished, the key was found in the

Overall, Tamal Krishna Goswami's preaching style was characterized by his personal example, his deep knowledge of the Vedic scriptures, his empathy and compassion towards others, and his boldness and courage in spreading the message of Krishna consciousness.